“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” That’s the question of fairy tales. In real life, children ask, “Mirror, mirror in your eyes, am I worthy of your love?” and “Mirror, mirror in your eyes, please accept me-call me fine?” Children do not look at a mirror on a wall to...

February 26, 2011

Family, A Haven in a Heartless World

by John Salmon

“The family is a haven in a heartless world.” ~Attributed to Christopher Lasch Each morning my family leaves our home and enters the discouraging, oppressive world of work or school. That may sound harsh, but true none the less…just watch the news. Students enter the “sacred halls of education” through metal detectors and security guards...

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Celebration Grace Honor

attention availability encouragement fun play politeness respect safety security

February 19, 2011

Going the Distance in the Family Marathon

by John Salmon

Family relationships are an ultra-marathon, not a sprint. Having all the skills and techniques in the world will only go so far unless you develop the endurance to “go the distance.” So, here are a few suggestions to help build endurance and help you “go the distance” in your family life. Slow down to increase...

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Honor

appreciation blessing family intimacy power of words

February 19, 2011

Becoming A Master Hugger

by John Salmon

“Sometimes it’s better to put love into hugs than to put it into words.” (Author Unknown) That’s why parents need to become hugging experts. I don’t mean learning to hug as a past-time or a passing fad. No, parents have to become master huggers. In fact, I invite you to join the National Association of Master...

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Family Shepherds

hugs parent child relationship parenting physical affection

February 12, 2011

My Michelangelo

by John Salmon

Michelangelo is quoted as saying, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” I love that quote. Researchers describe a Michelangelo effect between spouses when one spouse brings out the best, the angel, in the other. My wife is my Michelangelo. Other people look at me and see a...

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Celebration Honor

appreciation encouragement marriage michelangelo spouse support

February 6, 2011

You Are Truly Rich

by John Salmon

A woman from our church family passed away at the end of January. She was 98 years old. She was a retired school teacher and students from fifty years ago still called her Mrs. Carlson. Friends and those who met her during retirement, called her Eva. Those who had the privilege of growing up in...

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Grace

admiration blessing priorities valued

January 30, 2011

The Timeless Mind of a Parent

by John Salmon

Parenting is a process, not a one-time event. It occurs over time. Effective family shepherds have a “timeless mind” that maintains an awareness of past experiences, current behaviors, and future goals all at the same time. What have our children done in the past? What relationship have we developed through past experiences? What does their current...

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Family Shepherds

legacy memories parenting priorities vision

January 30, 2011

Groundhog Day: A Do-over

by John Salmon

In Western PA, we take Groundhog Day pretty seriously. I have a friend who visits Punxsutawney every year for the Groundhog Day Celebration. The closest I have come to Punxsutawney and Groundhog Day is watching the movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. In this movie, Phil (not the groundhog but a news reporter played by...

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Grace Honor

curiosity family relationships kindness resolving conflict

January 22, 2011

The Full Extent of Love

by John Salmon

Preparing for a Sunday School lesson based on John 13 caused me to pause…and think. John 13 describes the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. One reason He washed their feet was to “show them the full extent of His love.” As several of my friends like to say, “That raises a question.” What...

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Grace Honor

availability family relationships priorities sacrifice serve time WWJD

January 22, 2011

Family Shepherds

by John Salmon

I began to contemplate parenting while working with children and families in an inner city community, before I had any children of my own. Even then, I began to wonder how parents could successfully guide their children through such a dangerous maze of worldly distractions. I began to study this question even more when my...

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Family Shepherds

discipline father guidance mother nurture parenting

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

The Mirror in a Parent’s Eye

Family, A Haven in a Heartless World

Going the Distance in the Family Marathon

Becoming A Master Hugger

My Michelangelo

You Are Truly Rich

The Timeless Mind of a Parent

Groundhog Day: A Do-over

The Full Extent of Love

Family Shepherds